Westpac's economists are picking 6 consecutive OCR hikes from December - they're forecasting that it will hit 4% by the end of next year.

The OCR dropped to 2.25% just before Christmas, which is where it stands now, but there have been rumblings for some time that we'd start seeing hikes soon, as all major banks lifted long-term loan rates.

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Those in the market to buy a new home either know or will learn very quickly, that an agent is essential in the process.

Sure, we can search agency websites and windows ourselves, or scroll through OneRoof after work every day - but we're doing ourselves a disservice if we don't have an agent keeping an eye out for a place with the right metrics for us.

Here's the problem - these agents legally work for the seller.

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New Zealand's biggest bank, ANZ, has downgraded its forecast for property prices this year.

It says its previous forecast of 5% is looking unrealistic as the OCR looks to be making a turn soon and market prices are already falling - now saying a 2% rise is more likely.

Meanwhile, economists are laying out their predictions for when we'll see the OCR make that turn.

Many say it won't be until 2027, but some are predicting a rise as soon as the second half of this year.

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Normally when property comes up in discussion, it's focused on the plight of the youngsters who are fighting to get on to the property ladder. But today, we're switching it up a bit.

Your house is likely the most expensive thing you own, that applies for everyone who's lucky enough to own one. So how do you manage your money with it?

How old is too old to be investing in property? Are you worried that you've left it too late? At what point does it stop being worth it?

Managing director of property investment company Opes Partners Andrew Nicol joins Tim Beveridge to give advice on property investment.

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The no-consent granny flat law changes came in this week.

That means you can build an up-to-70sqm dwelling in your backyard without having to ask the council if you're allowed to.

Getting one set up on your property would set you back at least $200,000, but the question on minds of anyone with enough space for something like this is - how much value will it add?

They can be rented out for a bit of passive income - but it may not be worth the trouble of getting it fit to rent.

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From tax changes to interest rates to regulation changes, there's an ever growing list of reasons for kiwis to be a bit more hesitant to invest in property.

Now with changes to foreign buyers laws, we may be staring down the barrel of a completely different property market.

So here's the question, has the model for property investment fundamentally changed? How are investors going about it these days, and is it even worth it?

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Not even two years ago, we were comparing our rent increases to those of places like Singapore and New York City. But today, many parts of the country are seeing rents tumble.

So what does it mean for 2026? Should tenants be making their move to secure a place? Or is it the landlords who should be locking in reliable tenants before things start to change again?

And from this month, pets are officially allowed in rentals.

A landlord can't turn down a tenant solely for bringing a pet with them - but that along with other notes on your application can make a landlord hesitant.

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For as long as most of us will be able to remember, the Kiwi dream has meant a 3 or 4 bed home with a deck out the back and just enough grass to need a mower.

It's represented putting down roots and starting a family with a sense of security in owning your own place.

But after years now of rising house prices and interest rates going up and down quite rapidly, I've been wondering whether our property obsession has changed - and whether it's a temporary change or a permanent one.

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